Report: UT staffer said working for Butch Jones 'one of the worst work experiences I have ever had'

Soon-to-be former Tennessee staffer Antone Davis reportedly did not enjoy working for Tennessee coach Butch Jones.

Davis, a former Tennessee offensive lineman, announced his resignation as the program’s Vol For Life coordinator earlier this week. According to Sports Radio WNML, Davis felt he was not treated well by Jones.

The station said it acquired Davis’ resignation letter to Tennessee athletic director John Currie. In it, it says he took “constant intimidation, bullying and mental abuse” from the Tennessee head coach.

Davis told Currie that “I had always dreamed of coming back and being able to contribute to the continued success of the athletic program.’’

Davis said that working under Jones “has been one of the worst work experiences I have ever had.’’

A statement from Jones to the station wished Davis well and thanked him for his service. The report also noted that Jones recently requested a raise for Davis (unbeknownst to him) and was denied by the school. You can read more about the letter and a previous email to Currie in the link above.

Tennessee said in a release announcing Davis’ resignation that he’s leaving his position effective Nov. 15 to pursue other business opportunities. The VFL coordinator position was a job tasked with helping Tennessee players with character and life skill development.

“We appreciate Antone’s work for the University of Tennessee and our football program,” Currie said in the statement announcing Davis’ departure. “He had an outstanding career here as a student-athlete and then returned more than 20 years later to impact the lives of young men who were following in his footsteps. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Davis was a first-round pick in the 1991 NFL draft and played seven professional seasons. The Volunteers are 3-5 in 2017 and play Southern Miss on Saturday. Jones’ job status has been a source of constant speculation because of Tennessee’s poor season.